Crystal Methamphetamine
Abuse in Youth

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What is Crystal Meth?

Crystal Methamphetamine comes in the form of a "rock" or "crystal" and is a central nervous system stimulant that is "smoked, swallowed, snorted or inserted anally" (Australian Drug Foundation, 2007, para. 2). Crystal Methamphetamine begins to cause euphoria and central nervous system symptoms such as a racing heart beat, increased temperature, dialated pupils and tremors (Australian Drug Foundation, 2007).
Why Youth?

Substance abuse in Youth is has been linked to:
  • Low Socioeconomic Status
  • History of Abuse
  • Lack of Nurturing and Social Support
  • Sense of Failure in Education
  • Mental Health & Weight Loss Issues
  • Peer Influence

Find out about related Nursing Interventions
What are the Health Risks?

Health Risks Include:
  • Tooth Decay, Mouth & Tounge Sores: Salyva production is decreased which leaves the mouth vulnerable to the hazardous chemicals that are inhaled (Donaldson & Goodchild, 2006).
  • Skin Conditions: Users commonly develope delusions of skin mites or parasites which cause them to pick at their skin (Dermatology Nursing, 2006).
  • Heart Conditions, Resporatory Conditions and Aortic Dissection have been reported (Wijetunga, Seto, Lindsay & Schatz, 2003).
  • STI's & Risky Behavior: A loss of inhibition is thought to be responsible for associations such as multipartnerism, STI's (Mitchel, Morris, Kent & Stansell, 2004) and unplanned pregnancies (Contraceptive Technology Update, 2006)

    Find out about relataed Psychological Symptoms & Psychosis
    • Australian Drug Foundation (2007). Ice: crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride. Drug Information Clearinghouse
    TM. Retrieved online MArch 14, 2007 from http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/article
    BBC News (n.d.) Crystal meth Retrieved online April 12, 2007 from
    http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41410000/jpg/_41410509_crystal203_bbc.jpg
    Beauty From The Heart (2006). Holding hands Retrieved online April 12 from
    http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j153/spunkyjunior/505428_holding_hands.jpg
    Contraceptive Technology Update (2006). Crystal methamphetamine use poses sexual health risks in women
    and men: study finds male heterosexual drug users engage in risky sex. 27(6)
    Dermatology Nursing (2006). Methamphetamine use may show signs in skin. 18(3), pp. 285-286. Retrieved
    online February 28, 2007 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspz?

    direct=true&db=by&AN=21110295&site=ehost-live
    Donaldson, M. & Goodchild, J. (2006) Oral health of the methamphetamine abuser. American Journal
    of Health System Pharmacy. 63(21), pp.2078-2082
    Hassle Free Clip Art (2005). Doctor Retrieved online April 3, 2007 from
    http://www.hasslefreeclipart.com/clipart_medical/page1.html
    Wijetunga, M., Seto, T., Lindsay, J. & Schatz, I. (2003). Crystal methamphetamine associated cardiomyopathy: tip
    of the iceberg? Clinical Toxicology. 41(7), pp. 981-986
    WP Clipart (n.d.) Chart. Retrieved online March 8, 2007 from
    http://www.wpclipart.com/medical/personnel/nurse_2.png WP
    Created by Jacqueline Just